Scorpions' defeat fails to dampen enthusiasm

Sellout crowd of 13,151 crams Heroes Stadium for team's home opener.

Updated 1:39 am, Monday, April 16, 2012

Pablo Campos of the Scorpions keeps his eye on the ball during the team’s inaugural home game at Heroes Stadium. The Scorpions struggled in their second game of the season.

Pablo Campos of the Scorpions keeps his eye on the ball during the team’s inaugural home game at Heroes Stadium. The Scorpions struggled in their second game of the season.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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Hans Denissen (right) of the Scorpions contends with Puerto Rico’s Jared Van Schaik for control of the ball on Sunday.

Hans Denissen (right) of the Scorpions contends with Puerto Rico’s Jared Van Schaik for control of the ball on Sunday.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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A San Antonio Scorpions fan holds up his scarf as he waits to enter the stadium before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

A San Antonio Scorpions fan holds up his scarf as he waits to enter the stadium before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012

San Antonio Scorpions fans wave flags as they file into the stadium before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

San Antonio Scorpions fans wave flags as they file into the stadium before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes

San Antonio Scorpions fan Josh Campbell shouts as he waits to enter the stadium before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

San Antonio Scorpions fan Josh Campbell shouts as he waits to enter the stadium before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012

San Antonio Scorpions fans file into the stadium before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

San Antonio Scorpions fans file into the stadium before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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The San Antonio Scorpions' Pablo Campos kicks a penalty kick during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

The San Antonio Scorpions' Pablo Campos kicks a penalty kick during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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The Puerto Rico Islanders' Jay Needham (33) reacts after being called for a foul after tripping up the San Antonio Scorpions' Pablo Campos (9) during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

The Puerto Rico Islanders' Jay Needham (33) reacts after being called for a foul after tripping up the San Antonio Scorpions' Pablo Campos (9) during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the

The San Antonio Scorpions' Fabian Kling (13) collides with the Puerto Rico Islanders' Nicholas Addlery (blue jersey) during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

The San Antonio Scorpions' Fabian Kling (13) collides with the Puerto Rico Islanders' Nicholas Addlery (blue jersey) during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer

Puerto Rico Islander fans celebrate during the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Puerto Rico Islander fans celebrate during the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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Puerto Rico Islander fans celebrate during the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Puerto Rico Islander fans celebrate during the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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The San Antonio Scorpions' Pablo Campo is tripod up by the Puerto Rico Islanders' Anthony Vazquez (right) during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

The San Antonio Scorpions' Pablo Campo is tripod up by the Puerto Rico Islanders' Anthony Vazquez (right) during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL)

The San Antonio Scorpions' Pablo Campos leaps for a ball during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

The San Antonio Scorpions' Pablo Campos leaps for a ball during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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The San Antonio Scorpions' Javier Saavedra (left) and the Puerto Rico Islanders' David Foley (7) go up to head a ball during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

The San Antonio Scorpions' Javier Saavedra (left) and the Puerto Rico Islanders' David Foley (7) go up to head a ball during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer

Puerto Rico Islander fans celebrate during the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Puerto Rico Islander fans celebrate during the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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Standing-room-only crowd watches the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Standing-room-only crowd watches the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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The San Antonio Scorpions Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

The San Antonio Scorpions Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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An overflow crowd watches the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

An overflow crowd watches the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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Morgan Hartman flips the coin before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Morgan Hartman flips the coin before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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A giant flag is brought out on the field before the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

A giant flag is brought out on the field before the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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Members of the San Antonio Scorpions and the Puerto Rico Islanders walk out on the field before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Members of the San Antonio Scorpions and the Puerto Rico Islanders walk out on the field before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April

Members of the San Antonio Scorpions and the Puerto Rico Islanders stand on the field before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Members of the San Antonio Scorpions and the Puerto Rico Islanders stand on the field before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15,

The San Antonio Scorpions starters pose for a photo before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

The San Antonio Scorpions starters pose for a photo before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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Fans stand on a walkway to watch the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Fans stand on a walkway to watch the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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San Antonio Scorpions owner Gordon Hartman walks on to the field before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

San Antonio Scorpions owner Gordon Hartman walks on to the field before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes

San Antonio Scorpions owner Gordon Hartman and his daughter Morgan sit on the players' bench before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

San Antonio Scorpions owner Gordon Hartman and his daughter Morgan sit on the players' bench before the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday,

A giant flag is brought out on the field before the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

A giant flag is brought out on the field before the San Antonio Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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The Puerto Rico Islanders' Jared Van Schaik (blue jersey) tries to poke the ball away from San Antonio Scorpions Javier Saavedra (black jersey) during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

The Puerto Rico Islanders' Jared Van Schaik (blue jersey) tries to poke the ball away from San Antonio Scorpions Javier Saavedra (black jersey) during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the

The San Antonio Scorpions' Walter Ramirez (left) and the Puerto Rico Islanders' Edison Edwards (right) battle for control of the ball during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

The San Antonio Scorpions' Walter Ramirez (left) and the Puerto Rico Islanders' Edison Edwards (right) battle for control of the ball during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North

The San Antonio Scorpions' Blake Wagner (right) keeps the ball away from the Puerto Rico Islanders' Noah Delgado (left) during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

The San Antonio Scorpions' Blake Wagner (right) keeps the ball away from the Puerto Rico Islanders' Noah Delgado (left) during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer

Members of the San Antonio Scorpions fan group "The Casuals" play drums and sing during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Members of the San Antonio Scorpions fan group "The Casuals" play drums and sing during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012

San Antonio Scorpions owner Gordon Hartman during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

San Antonio Scorpions owner Gordon Hartman during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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A San Antonio Scorpions fan blows a horn during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

A San Antonio Scorpions fan blows a horn during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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Members of the San Antonio Scorpions fan group "The Casuals" play drums and sing during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Members of the San Antonio Scorpions fan group "The Casuals" play drums and sing during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012

Members of the San Antonio Scorpions fan group "The Casuals" play drums and sing during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Members of the San Antonio Scorpions fan group "The Casuals" play drums and sing during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012

Members of the San Antonio Scorpions fan group "The Casuals" play drums and sing during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

Members of the San Antonio Scorpions fan group "The Casuals" play drums and sing during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012

San Antonio Scorpions fan Brian Printy hold up his scarf as he celebrates with the fan group "The Casuals" during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Heroes Stadium.

San Antonio Scorpions fan Brian Printy hold up his scarf as he celebrates with the fan group "The Casuals" during the Scorpions' home opener of their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL)

San Antonio's wait for professional soccer lasted 30 minutes longer than expected on Sunday.

With a sellout crowd of 13,151 cramming Heroes Stadium for the Scorpions' home opener, it created a traffic jam large enough that team officials delayed the opening kickoff to let fans get to their seats.

The Scorpions lost 4-0 to Puerto Rico, but Scorpions owner Gordon Hartman was beaming after the game. The only number that seemed to matter was the attendance.

There was a Fiesta-style atmosphere at the pregame tailgate, three different supporters groups chanting for the full 90 minutes, and a packed crowd that even drew applause from opposing players.

It was fan support Hartman said proves that San Antonio is ready for professional soccer.

“Soccer is big in San Antonio, and we just showed it,” Hartman said. “I was amazed when I looked up and saw the backup of people trying to get into the stadium. This is absolutely incredible.”

Fans lined the concourse of the 11,000-seat capacity Heroes Stadium to see the home debut of the Scorpions, an expansion team in the North American Soccer League.

With alcohol prohibited at Heroes Stadium, a North East Independent School District facility, plenty of fans tailgated across the street at Hartman's STAR soccer complex.

The Crocketteers, a group of soccer supporters founded in 2009, drew about 300 fans to its tailgate. They were one of three supporters groups at the game, along with the Alamo City Ultras and the Bexar County Casuals.

“This game is a three-year dream for us,” said Crocketteers founder Michael Macias. “We're really indebted to Mr. Hartman for making our dreams a reality.”

Puerto Rico spoiled the dream debut for Scorpions players, as the home side missed many scoring chances in the rout.